Ethics in Research

Gokce Hilal Sincer

 What is
What is Ethics?
Research?

2
Ethics defined

• A branch of philosophy that looks at what is good and what is

bad

• A system of obligations that we have towards others

• A study of principles guiding the good of the individual within

the context of social interactions and the community
3
Research Ethics therefore are:

1. A code of guidelines on how to conduct scientific research

in a morally acceptable way.

2. Principles and standards that help researchers to uphold

the value and standards of knowledge construction.
 Descriptive and Prescriptive Ethics
There are 2 types of research ethics.

1. Descriptive Ethics asks:

“What does the culture or society believe is morally correct?”
2. Prescriptive Ethics asks:
“How should I behave as a researcher?”
“What character traits should I cultivate?”
 Ethical considerations in the research process
Ethical considerations come into play at 5 stages of research

1. Conceptualization and design of the study (scientific merit, identify risks and
ways to mitigate the risks)
2. When participants are recruited (the process of informed consent, right to
privacy)
3. During the procedure to which participants are subjected (management of
risk)
4. In the release of results obtained (protection of confidentiality and
anonymity)
5. After the release of results (ensure that participants and communities
involved in the research benefit)
What is unethical research conduct?
• Deception (issues of full disclosure)
• Withholding information about the aim of the study
• Misleading participants about the risks inherent in participating in the study
• Plagiarism
• Conducting research that does not have a scientific base
• Lack of objectivity and integrity in the design and conduct of research
• Misinterpretation of results
• Fabrication or falsification of data
• Not following the appropriate ascription of authorship to a publication
More cases of unethical research conduct…..
• Not respecting the right to privacy
• Not respecting the right to anonymity and confidentiality
• Not respecting rights of vulnerable groups
• Children
• Mentally handicapped individuals
• The aged
• Prisoners
• Illiterate
• Those with low social status
• Not having due consideration for the environment
 FUNDAMENTALLY Research Ethics are:

• A way of conducting the research so that the three

fundamental principles of research (respect, beneficence and
justice) are upheld.

• Ethical research must conform with the national and

international rules and agreements.
The 3 fundamental principles of research
 1. Justice

Researchers should not place one group of people at risk

solely for the benefit another. Risks and benefits should be
distributed in an equitable manner when recruiting
participants
 2. Respect
Researchers should show respect for:

• research participants (informed consent)

• sponsors of research
• communities where participants come from
• knowledge and academic community
 3. Beneficence
• The researcher is responsible for the mental, physical and social wellbeing
of the participant throughout the participation in the study.
• Benefits must be weighed against potential risk that a person might have
by participating.
• Research should only be justified if its conduct and result will be of
benefit to the participants.
• How the community will benefit should be clear from the research
protocol.
Why be concerned with research Ethics?
1. Professional Responsibility
2. To avoid reputational damage
3. To avoid causing harm to:
• Participants
• Researchers
• Institutions
• Communities
4. To avoid legal problems
 Informed consent

• A consent given by well informed potential participants about the nature of the
research procedure, scientific purpose,and about the risks and benefits of the study.
• Informed consent is given without subjecting the potential participant to coercion,
intimidation or undue influence.
• Participant’s understanding of the research aim and objectives must be addressed by
laying out the details in the language the participant understands and in a culturally
acceptable way.
• This can be done in alternative ways (e.g. orally, audio visually etc.) when dealing with vulnerable
participants.
 Key elements of informed consent

• Description of research aims and objectives

• Description of potential risks
• Description of expected benefits
• Explanation of confidentiality and anonymity of participants
• Explanation of participants rights including the fact that participation is
voluntary
• Explanation of issues relating to remuneration/compensation for
injuries
 Stages and process of informed consent
Stages of informed consent
Before the commencement of
the study
At the beginning of the study
During the study
Informed Consent Activities
Assessment of the local culture
Identification of risks and benefits before and after the
study
Pilot testing
Information is presented with the aid of support
material to enhance understanding of the research aims
and objectives
Risks and benefits of the study are presented
Understanding is assessed
Reinforce key ethical principles
Address issues of concern
 Getting permission to conduct research
• Researchers must submit a proposal for ethical clearance to a Research
Ethics Committee
• The proposal should show that each of the following ethical aspects are
addressed:
1. Respect and dignity of participants
2. Privacy and confidentiality
3. Balance of benefits and risks
4. Fair participant selection
5. Competence and capacity of researcher
6. Protocols and procedures followed in dealing with minors, vulnerable
persons (if applicable)
 Code of Ethics for Researchers

• Given the importance of ethics for the conduct of research,

many different professional associations, government agencies,
and universities have adopted specific codes, rules, and policies
relating to research ethics.
• Many government agencies have ethics rules for funded
researchers.
• All codes are based on some common ethical principles.
 Common ethical principles

1. Honesty 9. Respect for Colleagues

2. Objectivity 10. Confidentiality
3. Integrity 11. Social Responsibility
4. Transparency 12. Non-Discrimination
5. Intellectual Property 13. Legality
6. Openness 14. Animal Care
7. Responsible Publication 15. Human Subjects protection
8. Accountability
 Remember…
• Ethics is about creating a mutually respectful relationship with
the research population
• Failure to treat subjects with respect can result in data that is
misleading, inconclusive, and biased
• Ethically insensitive researchers can cause harm to themselves,
their institution, and the cause they seek to promote